National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

State Agencies Urge New Yorkers to Safely Dispose of Expired or Unused Prescription Drugs at Local Collection Sites

ALBANY, NY (04/25/2012)(readMedia)-- The State Health Department (DOH), Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourage New Yorkers to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday (April 28), which provides an opportunity for people to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at a local community drop-off site.

The event is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Approximately 250 drop-off sites in communities across New York State will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to accept prescription drugs for disposal. The following link will help you find a location in your area: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Prescription drugs that have expired or are no longer being used can present potential health risks, especially if children in a home can access these drugs. Over 50 percent of adolescent misused prescription medications originate from the home. Removing these drugs from the home can help prevent pill misuse and reduce the risk of theft. Improper disposal of these drugs, such as flushing them, can cause environmental contamination.

Last year, more than 188 tons of prescription drugs were brought to more than 5,000 take back disposal sites across the country.